September 25th 2021 Farmers Market

Market Review Sept 18, 21

By Paul Bullock & Mary Gates

It was slow to start even with the cool morning. At first it looked quite low on vendors, but there were a few that arrived after the 9:00 am starting time and set up while shoppers were strolling the streets. However, we were happy the late comers showed up when they did. Better late than never is a good slogan for Market vendors and shoppers alike.

The Texas Tech Home game in the evening seemed to slow our numbers down, but we had 39 vendors, and a pretty steady stream of shoppers too! Next week we will be competing with a huge opening Conference game against UT so please try to stop by early if you can. The Market was consistent with plenty of babies and dogs and some new faces too. I had to leave for a couple hours so Mary ran the booth and played sticks and did her interviews so I applaud her on that.

The Market has its regulars, folks who come every week. They have a set routine as they stop at the vendors booths that are on their list. After a few months you get to recognize them, even without knowing their names. The produce is still looking great and that is the heart of this Market. We are happy that these local farmers show up every week and they become important to their customers. Our arts and crafts vendors also have been loyal and have surely grown their customer base during the Market this year. It is interesting to me to see each Market, as every week there is some nuance of difference. That’s why we encourage our Lubbock area residents to come out and experience this weekly event.

Monaloa came away with the Tornado Industrial Arts Dog of the Day. Looks like Monaloa was expecting to win and really didn’t need to put in much effort to take the top prize for canines.

The Market broke down pretty quickly except for a couple of vendors who lingered a little. We had another successful Market and want to thank the vendors, the shoppers and those who just stroll the streets. A big thank you goes out to those people who volunteer with the set up, break down and run the Market Information Booth. 

For this week’s vendors spotlight, we have 3 craft booths.

K’S CRAFTS is run by 15 year old Kennedy Franklin, and this is her first year at the market. She started making her whimsical crocheted octopi after seeing some ideas on Pinterest. They were so popular, she expanded her selections. Her other crocheted items include scrunchies, jar openers, and now pumpkins & ghosts for the fall season. This creative girl also has a line of poured epoxy earrings in varying shapes and colors, some with added glitter and flowers. She makes beaded bracelets too!

PEN AND STEM is run by Daley and Hunter Bullock, with Daley being the artistic creator. They offer prints, tote bags, stickers and postcards with Daley’s designs. She started the company during the quarantine time of Covid 1 1/2 years ago, and says she’s been doing well selling at the market this year. They also do pop-up events, and have a web site. Some of her creations are linocut, others are digitally drawn, and all have a clean, fresh look to them. Coming soon will be holiday wrapping paper!

GREENHOUSE CREATIVE PAPER GOODS is at the market for the first time this year. This collaborative effort between Kimberley Robles and Angelique Reimer began at their meeting at the market. The Reimar family used to sell produce, and Kimberley was a steady customer. Angelique had the idea of making greeting cards, but wasn’t artistic, so she asked Kimberley if she wanted to do it. A company was born! Kimberly is a professional photographer, and Angelique works in marketing, so one does the artwork & printing, the other does the marketing & inventory. They have an array of cards, plus postcards & prints. Hats off to all these creative folks!

With only 4 more Saturdays left in this Market season we hope you will come out and support this community event. The Market is located at 19^th and Buddy Holly Ave. and goes from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.